Oleksandr Kyianytsia, a Ukrainian living in Canada, embodies resilience, courage, and an unyielding commitment to help his homeland. Born with cerebral palsy, Oleksandr has never allowed his physical limitations to dictate the course of his life. His motto, “I fall my whole life, but I stand up and keep walking,” reflects his indomitable spirit and refusal to give up in the face of challenges (5 канал, 2023).
Walking for a Cause
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Oleksandr has made it his mission to raise awareness and funds for Ukrainian hospitals. In 2023, he completed two monumental walks—covering 200 kilometers from Montreal to Ottawa and planning a 130-kilometer journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls. These efforts helped him raise over 22,000 Canadian dollars (more than half a million hryvnias), which were used to purchase essential medical equipment for hospitals in Ukraine (5 канал, 2023).
Despite the physical toll of such long-distance walking, Oleksandr’s determination remains unwavering. Supported by a team of volunteers, he walked up to 18 kilometers each day, wearing through five pairs of shoes in just 12 days (Ukrainian Wave, 2024). His efforts have so far provided vital equipment, such as surgical tools and shunts for critically injured patients in Kyiv’s Second Children’s Hospital and the Institute of Neurosurgery (5 канал, 2023).
A New Journey Begins
On October 21, 2024, Oleksandr embarked on yet another journey, this time a 100-kilometer trek from Halifax to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia (Creative Ukrainians of Halifax, 2024). Dubbed the “Ukrainian Terry Fox,” he continues his fundraising efforts, having already raised close to $40,000 over the past two and a half years (Creative Ukrainians of Halifax, 2024). His story serves as a reminder that no obstacle is too great when driven by passion and a commitment to helping others.
His previous walks have spanned 240 kilometers from Montreal to Ottawa and 140 kilometers from Toronto to Niagara Falls. In both cases, the money raised was used to purchase critical medical equipment and supplies for Ukrainian hospitals. This new walk reflects his ongoing dedication to aiding his homeland, especially as the war in Ukraine continues to devastate communities (Creative Ukrainians of Halifax, 2024).
Inspiring Others to Act
Oleksandr’s journey has deeply inspired people both in Canada and Ukraine. His courage and perseverance in the face of adversity have made him a symbol of hope and determination. “The time has come to unite and rebuild our country anew, so that Ukraine rises from the ashes like a phoenix,” he states, reinforcing his belief that small actions can have a tremendous impact (Ukrainian Wave, 2024).
Oleksandr’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, one person’s actions can bring about real change. Whether by donating or supporting his walks, we are all invited to join his cause. As he continues his Halifax to Bridgewater trek, he reminds us that no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in the cause you’re fighting for (Creative Ukrainians of Halifax, 2024).
References
5 канал. (2023, July 31). “Я падаю все життя, але встаю і йду далі”: як волонтер Олександр Кияниця з церебральним паралічем допомагає українським лікарням – сюжет [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ykzMG_fph4
Creative Ukrainians of Halifax. (2024, October 21). The “Ukrainian Terry Fox” embarks on a new journey from Halifax. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008696013899
Ukrainian Wave. (2024, September 19). Олександр Кияниця – героїчна людина, що впливає на громаду своїми вчинками. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPZyMHeNmXU
2023 – Олександр Кияниця – хода з Монреаля до Оттави з 20-того травня по 10 червня https://www.svyatapokrova.ca/2023-%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80-%D0%BA%D0%B8%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D1%8F-%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B7-%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B0%D0%BB/
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